Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health and behavioral conditions. These professionals perform a critical role in the healthcare and social services sectors. Learn the steps required to become an LCSW in this guide.
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The Steps To Become an LCSW
Licensing titles and requirements vary by state. To become an LCSW, LICSW, or the equivalent in your jurisdiction, you need a combination of education, experience, and testing. Here's a detailed breakdown of common requirements.
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1
Earn a Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's in social work (BSW) provides the most direct pathway to a master's in social work (MSW) and beyond, even providing advanced standing admission to some graduate schools. However, LCSWs can come from many undergraduate backgrounds, including psychology, counseling, and sociology.
Regardless of discipline, bachelor's degrees typically feature approximately 120 credits and take about four years to complete.
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2
Earn a Master's in Social Work
While the requirements for LCSW licensure vary by state, every jurisdiction requires that you have an MSW at minimum. Most states require that your MSW program holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
MSW programs typically feature 36-60 credits, depending on your standing, and take 2-3 years to complete full-time. The curriculum includes generalist courses in social welfare policy, human behavior, and assessment and diagnosis, plus specialization opportunities working with certain populations or within certain settings.
CSWE-accredited MSW programs also feature a minimum of 900 hours of supervised field experience, often split among generalist and specialized settings.
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3
Complete Supervised Clinical Experience
After completing your MSW, you must complete the post-graduate, supervised clinical experience requirements for LCSW licensure.
Each state sets its own minimum requirements, but you generally need 3,000 hours or about two years of supervised experience. Depending on your state and LCSW license type, you may need between 2,000-6,400 hours of post-graduate experience in a supervised clinical setting.
These requirements typically include a minimum number of face-to-face counseling hours and direct contact hours with your supervisor.
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4
Pass ASWB Clinical Exam
Every state requires that you pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical exam to qualify for LCSW licensure. The exam features a total of 150 questions spread across four content areas, including:
- Human development, diversity, and behavior in the environment (36 questions)
- Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning (45 questions)
- Psychotherapy, clinical interventions, and case management (41 questions)
- Professional values and ethics (28 questions)
The cost of the exam is $260, as of January 2025.
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5
Apply for LCSW Licensure
After meeting your state's LCSW requirements, you can apply for state licensure. The licensing process varies by state, but you typically need to demonstrate proof of good moral character and pay a licensing fee.
How Long Will Becoming an LCSW Take?
While the length of time it takes to become an LCSW depends on your state, it typically takes 7-8 years. This timeframe includes four years for a bachelor's degree, two years for a master's degree, and two years to complete the supervised experience requirements.
Job | Time to Become |
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BSW-Level Social Worker | 4 years |
MSW-Level Social Worker | 5-6 years |
Licensed Clinical Social Worker | 7-8 years |
How to Continue Your Education as an LCSW
Once you've become an LCSW, you must renew your license every 1-2 years. You also need to maintain it by completing continuing education (CE), which demonstrates your commitment to the field and your knowledge of the latest developments in ethics and policies.
The number of CE hours required for renewal varies by state but is typically 20-40 hours every two years. Most states set a minimum number of in-person hours and a maximum number of distance education hours you can take. You can earn your continuing education from several sources, including accredited colleges and universities, approved CE providers, and national associations such as the National Association of Social Workers.
How Much Do LCSWs Make?
LCSWs earn an average annual salary of nearly $67,000. They earn a higher average salary than licensed master social workers (LMSWs) and licensed bachelor social workers (LBSWs). Additional factors, such as location, industry, and professional specialization, may influence salary potential.
$67,600
Average Annual LCSW Salary
$35.54
Average Hourly LCSW Salary
Source: Payscale, Jan 2025
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an LCSW
What is the difference between LMSW and LCSW?
While both licenses require an MSW degree, LCSWs also need extensive post-graduate, supervised clinical experience and can provide counseling services without supervision. LMSWs can only offer counseling while under the supervision of an LCSW.
Can LCSWs prescribe medication?
LCSWs can provide assessment, diagnosis and psychotherapy to clients with mental health conditions, but they cannot prescribe medication. Clients must turn to a medical professional, such as a psychiatrist, for any medication-related treatments.
Is being an LCSW stressful?
LCSWs may work under difficult and stressful conditions, such as managing heavy caseloads due to understaffing and dealing with troubling client situations.
Is becoming an LCSW worth it?
There are many benefits to becoming an LCSW, such as the opportunity to help people in need and contribute to the betterment of your community. There is also a strong demand for LCSWs.
Can you make good money as an LCSW?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top 10% of social workers earned over $94,910 as of May 2023. That's nearly two times the median annual salary for all occupations.